RTX 2070 Super vs GTX 1080: A Comprehensive Analysis
Considering a graphics card upgrade from the GTX 1080 to the RTX 2070 Super? This article provides an in-depth comparison, shedding light on key factors such as performance, features, and value for money.
Performance Comparison
The RTX 2070 Super offers a significant boost in performance over the GTX 1080 in both gaming and rendering applications. Key improvements include:
CUDA Cores: The RTX 2070 Super has a higher number of CUDA cores, contributing to faster frame rates and better performance. Architecture Efficiency: Built on the advanced Turing architecture, the RTX 2070 Super offers better performance per watt compared to the older Pascal architecture of the GTX 1080. VRAM Capacity and Type: With 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM, the RTX 2070 Super typically outperforms the GTX 1080's 8GB of GDDR5X VRAM in certain scenarios.Advanced Features and Technology
One of the standout features of the RTX 2070 Super is its support for real-time ray tracing and NVIDIAs DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). These technologies enhance visual quality and performance in supported games, offering a superior gaming experience:
Ray Tracing: Real-time ray tracing delivers more realistic lighting and shadows, making the game environment more immersive. DLSS: NVIDIAs DLSS technology enhances frame rates without sacrificing image quality by leveraging AI and machine learning algorithms.Price and Value
Both the RTX 2070 Super and GTX 1080 were released at about the same price point, currently around $499. However, the RTX 2070 Super provides a higher level of performance and newer features, making it a more compelling upgrade choice.
A Historical Context: The Evolution of NVIDIA Graphics Cards
It is worth noting the significant price inflation that NVIDIA has seen in its flagship graphics cards over the years. Here's a look at how prices have changed over the decades:
Early Days: GTX 280 and Fermi
In the early 2000s, NVIDIA was producing graphics cards based on the GT200 die. For example, the GTX 280 was priced at $675. As technology advanced, they moved to the Fermi architecture with the GTX 480, bringing the price to $499, and the GTX 470 at $349. These developments were relatively consistent.
The Kepler Era
In 2012, with the introduction of the Kepler architecture and the GTX 680, the pricing strategy changed dramatically. The GTX 680 was priced at $499, although it was based on a mid-range die (GK104). This marked a significant shift, selling the mid-range GPU as a flagship at a high price point:
GTX 680: $499 GTX 480: $499 GTX 470: $349Furthermore, NVIDIA introduced the GTX Titan, based on the full GF110 GPU, at an exorbitant price of $999. This marked a doubling of the price for the high-end GPU.
Current Pricing Strategy
Today, NVIDIA's pricing strategy continues to be a concern. The RTX 2070 Super, based on the TU104 die, was launched at $499, while the high-end RTX 2080 Ti, based on the full TU102 die, costs around $1200. This trend of inflation has been a point of contention within the tech community.
Alternative: AMD's RX 5700 Series
If you are looking for a cost-effective and high-performance alternative, consider AMD's RX 5700 series. The RX 5700 XT, for instance, offers faster performance than the RTX 2070 Super and is approximately $100 cheaper, making it a compelling choice for those on a budget.
In conclusion, the RTX 2070 Super offers superior performance, advanced features, and competitive pricing compared to the GTX 1080, making it a strong upgrade choice. But for those looking for a potent and cost-effective alternative, AMD's RX 5700 series is an excellent option.